Well over 100 people celebrated a major milestone under bright sunshine Monday in west-end Belleville.
The YMCA of Central East Ontario and its Community Building Campaign Team broke ground on the site of the new Centre for Life. This marks the culmination of six years of work in planning and fundraising to replace the current facility, which opened in 1964.
Master of Ceremonies and YMCA volunteer and fundraiser John Mastorakos told the crowd it was fitting that
the ground-breaking came on the day after the Toronto Blue Jays won the American League East Division Championship”
Referring to the recent and sudden change of location from the old fairgrounds to Rotary Park further west along
Bridge Street West due to the threat of contaminated soil Mastorakos said “Just the like in the Jays game in the third and 4th inning yesterday, we had our own good scare, but in the end everything worked out perfectly”.
“We have been waiting for this day for so long,” said David Allen, President and CEO of YMCA of Central East Ontario. “An incredible team of people have worked diligently, always believing that our community deserves a modern facility that can offer more space for more programs. Pinch me! It’s really happening.”
David Allen, CEO and President of YMCA Central East Ontario. (Photo: Quinte News)
Kristin Crowe and Ed Lehtinen have led the Community Building Campaign since 2020 and are just as thrilled to see their commitment come to fruition.
“All along, we stayed motivated by the vision of a facility that would be physically more welcoming to people of all abilities,” Crowe said. “Today, we took a giant step toward.”
“In my 50 years of supporting the Belleville community, this project stands out to me as one of the most necessary and outstanding in recent memory,” Lehtinen added. “We know the Centre for Life will make a huge difference that will resonate for generations to come.”
Capital Fundraising Team Co-Chairs Kristen Crowe at the right and to the left Ed Lehtinen.
In the background is a member of the team and ceremony MC John Mastorakos. (Photo: Quinte News)
Not only will the new facility serve the YMCA, but it will also serve as home base for Community Services of Belleville and District, Volunteer & Information Hastings & Prince Edward Counties and Community Learning Alternatives. Having all four under one roof will help them work together better to serve clients of all ages.
The YMCA serves people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities across the region. This new facility will offer the high-quality health and fitness programs that the YMCA is known for in a barrier-free, safe and judgment-free environment for generations to come.
The project would have never have come this far without phenomenal support from three levels of government adding up to $17.5 million. This includes $8,997,000 from the federal government; $7,497,000 from the province; and $1 million from the City of Belleville.
Through the Community Building Campaign, the YMCA has raised more than $7 million towards its $9 million goal. To complete the project, its leaders invite everyone to support the Centre for Life’s mission, ensuring a legacy of health, growth, and resilience for Belleville families now and into the future.
The local fundraising goal is $9 million so there’s still a bit to be raised. Donations are welcomed and encouraged. (Photo: Quinte News)
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About the YMCA of Belleville:
The YMCA has provided the community with programs focused on health, wellness, and community development at the current Belleville branch for the past 60 years. It is dedicated to strengthening the community through youth development, senior engagement, healthy living, and social responsibility. The YMCA Centre for Life will offer a wide range of programs and services designed to support these goals.
